The course is the second part in a series of three consecutive courses on applied design research. The overall aim of the courses is to provide the students with the methodological skills and knowledge to plan and carry out their Master’s thesis. Special focus is on applied research, design thinking and design science.

Upon the successful completion of the course, the student:

1) understands the main principles of essential applied sciences approaches, such as design science and design thinking.
2) is able to utilize his/her knowledge on design science and design thinking in interpreting scientific literature in his/her field.
3) is able to apply design science methods in the creation of a research plan

Master’s level studies. All material and communication is in English. The course Applied Design Research 1 must be completed before this course. This course unit is part of the master's degree's curriculum. Completion of the course requires master's study entitlement.

1) An introduction to applied research. Typical research questions and methods in applied research and design science research.
2) Key concepts and methods related to design science, design thinking and applied design research.
3) Example cases of applied research using design science methodology.
Research plan using the design science research approach.

When the implementation type of the course is CONTACT, ONLINE or BLENDED it is required that the student is present during those teaching hours that are marked in the study schedule. If you are absent more than 25 %, your grade will be lowered by one. If you are absent more than 50 %, the course is failed.

The student demonstrates some understanding of research methods in applied sciences but is not able to systematically compare them and to apply them in a case project. The student has some, but limited, understanding of the core concepts of design science.

In addition to the skills and competences mentioned for Grade 1, the student demonstrates an understanding of research methods used in applied sciences and is able to systematically compare them and to apply them in a case project. The student knows the core concepts of design science and design thinking and knows how to apply them in creating his/her own research plan.

In addition to the skills and competences mentioned for Grades 1 and 3, the student thoroughly understands the differences between various research methods used in applied research. S/he, and is able to systematically compare them and to apply them in a case project.

The student understands well the concepts and methods of design science and design thinking. The student is proficient in applying them when creating his/her own research plan.